Christmas is a time of celebration ... a birthday celebration, really.

I have gone to visit people for Christmas and brought with me a birthday cake topped with three candles: past, present, and future. The funny and equally sad reaction comes when people ask me the almost inevitable question "Whose birthday is it?" Once they realize the meaning of the birthday cake, we all sing "Happy Birthday"

The Christmas birthday cake and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus is a family tradition I grew up with and one that I am happy to pass along to others.

I have also sent or brought creches to people who have recently gotten married or who are setting up a new home. Housewarming gifts rarely include Christmas gifts so I offer them a manger (creche). This gives them the opportunity to remember the 'reason for the season' and I know that when they begin decorating their new home, they will remember the gift given to them. I have been told that the creche is often the first decoration taken out and the last one put away when the decorations are put away. There is also one family I know who have decided to keep the creche out all year long as a reminder of their faith. This also becomes a traditional and perpetual Christmas gift.

These gifts reinforce with me and with the recipient, that Christmas is not, primarily, a secular holiday.

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